please log in to view this image R's boss Mark Hughes has paid a glowing tribute to Alan McDonald, describing him as 'one of the toughest opponents' he played against during his illustrious playing career. McDonald tragically passed away on Saturday, after collapsing whilst playing golf in Northern Ireland. Hughes enjoyed some memorable ding-dong battles against Macca during his playing days at Manchester United and the R's gaffer told www.qpr.co.uk: "Alan was a great opponent - one of the toughest I came up against. "He was a typical no-nonsense centre-half - no quarter asked, none given. "In those days the art of defending was very different to it is now. You could be a bit more physical back then, but Alan was honest with it. "He had a good footballing brain. He was a very accomplished player and hugely courageous. "He enjoyed defending and he was very good at it, which as a striker could be hugely frustrating!" Hughes added: "Alan was a big personality in the game. "I didn't know him that well personally, but he was a very popular figure both at QPR and in Northern Ireland. "He will be sorely missed by everyone. "The thoughts of everyone at QPR are with his family and friends at this sad time." R.I.P Macca http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2823405,00.html? Had been waiting for this. Good words from the gaffer
Had some time to watch a few Macca clips on youtube today, that's probably when it really sunk in. He was massive for us. Words cannot describe it. Truly inspirational, with or without the captaincy. I know it's been mentioned before but compare him to the **** of a leader we had last season. Chalk and cheese.